PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The William & Mary women's basketball team couldn't overcome a tough shooting day, and a stifling Drexel defense as the Tribe fell 54-34 in Philadelphia Sunday afternoon. With the decision, the Tribe falls to 16-10, 7-8 in Colonial Athletic Association play, while the Dragons improve to 20-6, 12-2 in league action.
 
W&M started strong out of the gates and took a 6-3 lead with a run of the same spread. Junior Bianca Boggs and freshman Nyla Pollard each converted lay-ups to put the Tribe up 4-zip. After Drexel hit a 3-pointer, Pollard responded with another bucket giving the Tribe a three-point cushion with 6:29 left in the quarter.
 
The Dragons responded, however, by scoring 15 of the next 18 points to close the quarter with a nine-point cushion. A pair of Niki Metzel free throws tied the score, before Bailey Greenberg and Metzel combined for lay-ups, and Kelsi Lidge hit a jumper. Senior Abby Rendle converted a traditional 3-point play to cut the lead back to three, but Greenberg added four more points and Megan Meric scored as well to make it 18-9 after one.
 
DU took a 10-point lead into the locker room, but W&M again started the half strong with a 7-2 run to draw within five. Senior Jenna Green scored the first five points of the quarter for W&M, and Boggs got a transition lay-up to cut it 30-25 with 7:41 left in the third quarter. However, Drexel answered with the next eight points to return its lead to double-digits.
 
W&M Starters - #2 Boggs, #11 Pollard, #12 Green, #24 Rendle, #30 Reynolds
 
Drexel Starters - #11 Brown, #12 Greenberg, #14 Woods, #20 Nihill, #25 Lidge
 
Individual Highlights
Junior Bianca Boggs was the lone player in double-figures for the Green and Gold. She added two rebounds, but only played 19 minutes due to foul trouble. Senior Abby Rendle finished with five points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while classmate Jenna Green had seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
 
Bailey Greenberg matched Boggs' game-high with 12 points to lead two Dragons in double-figures. She added three rebounds, and one assist. Kelsi Lidge chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a block, and two steals.
 
Inside the Numbers
- W&M was limited to a season-low 13-for-39 (26.3-percent) from the field in the contest.
 
- The Tribe did limit Drexel, one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the CAA, to just 1-of-12 (8.3-percent) from distance.
 
- The Green and Gold had a season-low seven assists to go against 15 miscues. The Dragons scored 16 points off of the turnovers.
 
Notes
Junior Bianca Boggs was in double-figures for the 23rd time this season and the 40th time in her career … It was the 15th time this season she was the Tribe's leading scorer … W&M's 34 points was the lowest point total of the season.
 
What's Ahead
W&M returns to Williamsburg for its final home game of the regular season on Friday, Feb. 23 when it plays host to Delaware. Tip-off between the Tribe and Blue Hens is set for 7 p.m.
 
The game will be senior night, and the Tribe will honor the winningest class – Jeanne Gaumont, Jenna Green, and Abby Rendle - in school history prior to the game. It is also fan appreciation day, and the first 500 fans will receive a "Tribe Pride" wristband.